Art, Antiques Up for Bid at Davison Art Center Auction, Picnic

The painting by the accomplished artist and professor emeritus of art at Wesleyan is up for bid at the Friends of the Davison Art Center’s (FDAC) Picnic and Auction 2008 on May 17.

Green’s work, pictured at right, is one of the many stunning offerings donated for the auction to benefit the art center’s collection. Other items include a gelatin silver print by photographer and Wesleyan alumnus Philip Trager ‘56, a contemporary etching by Richard Artschwager, a 19th-century wool-on-cotton warp and weft rug, an immigrant chest with wrought-iron strapping, a 16th-century map of New Spain, an ornate Chinese export platter and dozens more.

“The picnic and auction event is a wonderful way for the Friends of the Davison Art Center to bring together the Wesleyan and local communities for a fun-filled get-together,” says administrative assistant Roslyn Carrier-Brault, co-chair of the FDAC Picnic and Auction 2008 committee. “Auction participants will have opportunities to discuss, look and bid on an impressive variety of fine art, antiques, and so much more, while benefiting the Davison collection.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit the collection of the Davison Art Center, one of the finest university collections of graphic art in the United States.

Festivities will begin with a picnic and silent auction between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and dine informally on the lawn or formally at tables set up around the picturesque Alsop House grounds, flower gardens and fountain.

During this time, cataloged items for the main auction will be on display inside the front rooms of the Davison Art Center Alsop House, which ProfessorGreen helped restore. Offerings include fine works of art, antiques and decorative items, such as a walnut, fall-front antique desk; four caricature prints published between 1868 and 1914 in British weekly Vanity Fair; a 1798-dated Russian coin from the reign of Catherine II “The Great;” and an early 20th-century oriental carpet with aniline dyes.

Uncatalogued items, such as an antiqued silver gravy boat and candy dish, crystal goblets, a turquoise-beaded necklace, ceramic pitchers, a Singer sewing machine and decorative vases, will be sold in a silent auction ongoing throughout the event.

“This is an entertaining, competitive sale of many desirable items in all price ranges,” says Jennifer Curran, assistant director of admission and outreach for the Graduate Liberal Studies Program and event co-chair.

The main auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. David Redden ‘70, vice chairman of international auction house Sotheby’s, Inc., will open the bidding.

Space is limited and advanced reservations are encouraged. Reservations are $50 for FDAC members, $65 for non-members, $100 for patrons and $250 for benefactors. Only cash and checks will be accepted for admission and auction items. Dessert and coffee will be served.

The Davison Art Center and Alsop House are located on campus, at 301 High Street in Middletown.

The FDAC consists of Wesleyan faculty, staff, alumni, students, area residents and other friends of the arts devoted to the growth and public enjoyment of the DAC collection.